I wish someone would stand-up to these people

[Browns7213]

Holy Spirit implements no-nicotine hiring policy

CAMP HILL — Beginning April 1, Holy Spirit, a Geisinger Affiliate, will no longer hire job applicants who use tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars and chewing or smokeless tobacco.

“Holy Spirit is joining numerous hospitals and medical organizations across the country that are encouraging healthier living, decreasing absenteeism and reducing health care costs by adopting strict policies that require non-nicotine use by job applicants,” said Lori Moran, director of public relations and marketing with Holy Spirit. “Our mission is healing and good health, so it is important for us to set a good example for our patients and community.”

During the hiring process, all applicants, will be tested for nicotine as part of the routine drug screening. The test, which will include screening for cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, nicotine patches and nicotine gum, only detects active nicotine users, not those exposed to second-hand smoke. The policy also affects any applicants receiving offer letters as of April 1.

Current employees are not affected by the new policy, but are encouraged to take advantage of the tobacco-cessation programs offered through Holy Spirit’s employee wellness program.

The health system said non-nicotine hiring policies are legal in 21 states, including Pennsylvania.

Geisinger Health System implemented its non-nicotine hiring policy in 2012. Holy Spirit became an affiliate of Geisinger in 2014.

[tmoran]

On one hand, I obviously don't like the policy. On the other, I think employers should be allowed to dictate their employment criteria.

[tnlawyer]

Bah, they're a private company. While I think the policy is kind of screwy, I think it's their prerogative.

[Cool Breeze]

I don't think a government organization should be allowed to do this, but privately owned businesses should be free to hire who they please.

I feel the same way about businesses who post "no guns" signs. Its silly and accomplishes nothing good, but it is their business.

I'll work somewhere else and I'll shop somewhere else.

[izkeh]

I worked for a company that tried this. It really depends upon what the firm is as to whether this will work or not. If it's a manufacturing facility, ehhhhhh, not so much. A doctor's office; sure. The company I worked for built things so the type of people they needed to hire were all failing the nic test. They rescinded the policy shortly after and were able to fill open positions within a month.

[Emperor Zurg]

On one hand, I obviously don't like the policy. On the other, I think employers should be allowed to dictate their employment criteria.

Bah, they're a private company. While I think the policy is kind of screwy, I think it's their prerogative.

I don't think a government organization should be allowed to do this, but privately owned businesses should be free to hire who they please.

I feel the same way about businesses who post "no guns" signs. Its silly and accomplishes nothing good, but it is their business.

I'll work somewhere else and I'll shop somewhere else.

Yup. Stupid policy but a private company should be able to be stupid if they want to.

On the other hand, maybe it all boils down to some sort of non-discrimination and not wanting to pay the cig smokers for a 5 minute cigarette break every 30 minutes. I could understand that.

[garublador]

The test, which will include screening for cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, nicotine patches and nicotine gum, only detects active nicotine users, not those exposed to second-hand smoke. The policy also affects any applicants receiving offer letters as of April 1.

Current employees are not affected by the new policy, but are encouraged to take advantage of the tobacco-cessation programs offered through Holy Spirit’s employee wellness program.

I wonder if any of those cessation programs include the use of patches or gum.

Not hiring someone based on that criteria seems like a bad idea. Why not just charge them more for health insurance? Also the phrase "require non-nicotine use" makes me think the people running that program might not be the brightest. How can you use "not nicotine?"

[EricGagne]

You should all move to Canada. Screening smokers is not legal here and cuban cigars are

[cheaphumidors]

It makes me wonder how long before they decide not to hire obese people because they aren't setting good examples for a healthy life style

[Ropey]

I think it's less of a problem with anti-tobacco zealotry and more of a problem that employers have far too much power over their employees. Which is why I work for myself. I don't want a daddy telling me what to do for 8 hours a day -- I certainly don't want one telling me what to do the rest of my time on this planet.